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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

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20 Facts About Morocco‎

Morocco Facts. People, geography and culture of Morocco make this African country one of the most traveled countries in the world.

Morocco is slightly more than three times the size of New York or slightly larger than California.

Steeped in history, mystery, and beauty, here are twenty interesting facts about the 57th largest country in the world, Morocco.

10 Facts About Morocco Tangier Tetouan Morocco photo by Hernán Piñera
Friends in Tangier Tetouan Morocco photo by Hernán Piñera

20 True Facts About Morocco

Independence from France on March 2, 1956

The English name Morocco derives from, respectively, the Spanish and Portuguese names Marruecos and Marrocos, which stem from Marrakesh the Latin name for the former capital of ancient Morocco; the Arabic name Al Maghrib translates as The West.

Morocco’s’ population is around 33,322,699 (July 2015 est.)

Morocco is the most westerly of the North African countries known as the Maghreb or the Arab West.

The capital city of Morocco is Rabat, although the largest city is Casablanca with nearly 4 million people.

Citizenship in Morocco is by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Morocco; if the father is unknown or stateless, the mother must be a citizen.

Languages Arabic (official), Berber languages - Tamazight (official), Tachelhit, Tarifit, French is often the language of business, government, and diplomacy.

From 1975-76 Morocco annexed Western Sahara but faces an ongoing guerrilla battle for independence from local Saharawi people to this very day despite a UN ceasefire agreement.

The English name "Morocco" derives from, respectively, the Spanish and Portuguese names "Marruecos" and "Marrocos," which stem from "Marrakesh" the Latin name for the former capital of ancient Morocco; the Arabic name "Al Maghrib" translates as "The West"

The English name "Morocco" derives from, respectively, the Spanish and Portuguese names "Marruecos" and "Marrocos," which stem from "Marrakesh" the Latin name for the former capital of ancient Morocco; the Arabic name "Al Maghrib" translates as "The West"
Morocco in pictures

Since Spain's 1976 withdrawal from what is today called Western Sahara, Morocco has extended its de facto administrative control to roughly 80% of this territory; however, the UN does not recognize Morocco as the administering power for Western Sahara.

Morocco is slightly more than three times the size of New York or slightly larger than California.

Morocco is mountainous with the Atlas Mountains running from northeast to the southwest through the center and the Rif Mountains located in the north.

Chefchaouen is the beautiful world famous electric blue city of Morocco.

Morocco is the only African nation to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.

Morocco’s’ national symbols are the pentacle symbol, lion; national colors: red, green.

Morocco is one of the world's largest producers of illicit hashish.

Moroccan cities generally have mosques, market areas called bazaars, old medieval sections called medinas and old fortresses called kasbahs.

Green tea with mint and sweetened with sugar is a popular beverage in Morocco.

The most famous of Moroccan dishes is couscous.

The Moroccan national team became the first African and Arab country to make to the second round of a World Cup when they did so in 1986. 

Morocco is the most westerly of the North African countries known as the Maghreb or the Arab West.
Morocco is the most westerly of the North African countries known as the Maghreb or the Arab West.


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For 19 years, The African Gourmet has preserved Africa's stories is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives, the world's premier guardian of cultural heritage.

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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.